Late Home Sweet Home Ministries Volunteer Helps Keep Sign Burning Bright
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: November 30, 2012
BLOOMINGTON- Home Sweet Home Ministries is replacing a trademark sign that has provided peace and hope to people for decades.
With money coming up short, a local volunteer left a gift this charity will never forget.
At a young age Ken Smith learned when life has its low points, there would be a helping hand to guide him.
And it's because of one sign, glowing with two simple words.
"Jesus Cares."
"He just had a heart for helping others," said Linda Smith.
Smith is Ken's wife.
She works at Home Sweet Home Ministries.
It's an outreach organization that provides shelter, food, and hope to the needy.
For years, her husband spent time there as a volunteer.
"He loved to have a good time, a very hard worker."
Smith helped deliver holiday meals, and served as a handyman at the ministry.
But a few months ago, the 55 year old passed away unexpectedly.
"He had internal bleeding from his torn muscle," his wife explained. "I don't even know how he tore the muscle. That was Saturday. He was gone Tuesday. It was very...I still can't believe he's gone."
His wife is now gathering strength in the legacy he left behind.
In lieu of flowers the family accepted donations to replace the ministry's aged "Jesus Cares" sign with a modern replica.
Something the charity had needed to do.
"Part of what he stood for is going to be seen by the community," said Smith.
To the family's amazement dozens came by to pay their respects and make a donation.
Which raised enough money to make the necessary change.
"He touched all these lives that he didn't know he touched. So that's his legacy. That they'll touch someone else's life then."
With its trademark message soon to be burning bright once again, Smith looks forward to turning to the light, knowing her husband's love is shining for all to see.
Home Sweet Home Ministries will replace its Jesus Cares sign later this month.
The modern replica costs $10,000.
With money coming up short, a local volunteer left a gift this charity will never forget.
At a young age Ken Smith learned when life has its low points, there would be a helping hand to guide him.
And it's because of one sign, glowing with two simple words.
"Jesus Cares."
"He just had a heart for helping others," said Linda Smith.
Smith is Ken's wife.
She works at Home Sweet Home Ministries.
It's an outreach organization that provides shelter, food, and hope to the needy.
For years, her husband spent time there as a volunteer.
"He loved to have a good time, a very hard worker."
Smith helped deliver holiday meals, and served as a handyman at the ministry.
But a few months ago, the 55 year old passed away unexpectedly.
"He had internal bleeding from his torn muscle," his wife explained. "I don't even know how he tore the muscle. That was Saturday. He was gone Tuesday. It was very...I still can't believe he's gone."
His wife is now gathering strength in the legacy he left behind.
In lieu of flowers the family accepted donations to replace the ministry's aged "Jesus Cares" sign with a modern replica.
Something the charity had needed to do.
"Part of what he stood for is going to be seen by the community," said Smith.
To the family's amazement dozens came by to pay their respects and make a donation.
Which raised enough money to make the necessary change.
"He touched all these lives that he didn't know he touched. So that's his legacy. That they'll touch someone else's life then."
With its trademark message soon to be burning bright once again, Smith looks forward to turning to the light, knowing her husband's love is shining for all to see.
Home Sweet Home Ministries will replace its Jesus Cares sign later this month.
The modern replica costs $10,000.
